MINUTES OF THE BLYTHE SAPPERS

44^th MANAGEMENT MEETING

Held on Wednesday 6^th December 2006 at the Army & Navy Club, London

(Chairman Sapper Stuart Sinclair)

            Those Present

                        Sapper S Sinclair                     Chairman

                        Sapper M Muller                    Past Chairman 2005

                        Sapper J Fitzmaurice              Future Chairman 2008

                        Sapper R Wilsher                   Honorary Treasurer  

                        Sapper C Peacey                     Honorary Auditor

                        Sapper J McLennan                Honorary Secretary

            Item 1.            Opening Remarks.

1.         The Chairman Sapper Sinclair welcomed the Committee and specifically Sapper Fitzmaurice to his first BS Management Mtg as the Chairman (Des) 2008

            Item 2             Apologies                 

2.         Apologies received from Sapper Caulfield Regimental Colonel, Sapper Hamilton           Membership Secretary.

            Item 3             Minutes of the meeting of October 2006.

3.         The Minutes were noted and signed.

            Item 4            Matters Arising.

4.         There were no matters arising

            Item 5            Finance.

5.         Report.   Spr Wilsher gave his report The Blythe Sappers Account Trial Balance as at 24 Sept  -  attached at Annex A

            a                      Cost of Lunches for 2007   The Committee agreed that the costs of the Lunches for 2007 will be raised to £42.50 – this would include two glasses of wine and a glass of port.

            b.         Adventure Training Fund   It was proposed that the sum of £2000 be transferred to the Special Fund.

                        Proposer: Sapper McLennan

                        Seconder: Sapper Peacey

                        CARRIED

            Item 6             Corps Report  

6.                     The Corps Report was presented by Sapper McLennan.

            Item 7             Casualties since Last Meeting      

7.                     Death:            It was with regret that the death was announced of

                                                Sapper Mike Payne.

                        Resignations: The following have tendered their resignations

                                                Sapper Charles Goodman

                                                Sapper Hugh Browne

            Item 8             Nominations for New Members

8.         The following were nominated for Membership:                      

                                   [afternote: Lt Col Murphy had not attended as a guest  --  Sponsor informed)

            Item 9             Attendance & Arrangements for Luncheon  --  6^th December 2006.

9.         There will be 99 taking lunch which includes 22 guests. Major General Andrew Cumming is the Principle Guest.  The following to be invited to stand for his introduction:  Sappers Berry, Fidler, S Wright, Clements.

            Item 10           Any Other Business

10.                   a.         Change of BS Rules             The Honorary Secretary suggested a change in the BS Rules in that any proposed new Member should, as a pre-requisite to joining, be a Member of the Institution of Royal Engineers. This would encourage Sappers to have a deeper knowledge of the Corps (in that they would receive The Journal & The Sapper magazine) and through their Membership engage in topical matters involving Sapper activities.

                        It was agreed that it was a decision for the BS Council. The BS Management Committee took note and agreed to discuss it further at the next meeting when  a decision would be taken whether or not to ask BS Council to endorse the proposal but that any Rule change should not be introduced until 2008.

                        b. Letter from Sapper Fidler       Sapper Fidler had written to ask if there is financial assistance available to those Sappers taking part in projects or expeditions organised through the Royal Geographical Society. It was noted that funds for those who are serving soldiers (Regular or TA) may apply for funds through RE Corps Funds where contributions for these exercise is given by the Blythe Sappers. It was agreed that provision of funds for others would be inappropriate. The Secretary was invited to inform him.

                        c. Notices in the Corps Supplement         Sapper Muller suggested it is inappropriate to advertise for Members in every edition of the Corps Supplement and that it should only be done once a year or when there is a dramatic decline in Members.

                                                                                                The Committee agreed.

                        d. Nomenclature of the Meeting.  Sapper Peacey queried the number of this meeting and that the BS Archivist should advise  --  it is confirmed this is the Dec 06 meeting is the  44^th BS Management Meeting.  

                        e. Membership Numbers        Sapper Peacey expressed disappointment to the reference of membership numbers in the AGM minutes and agreed to post and amendment to the Casualties and Elected Members.

     Item 11       Date of Next Meeting                    

11.       The next meeting will take place at 1100hrs on 7^th March 2007.

Annex A to Blythe Sappers Management Mtg 6^th Dec  --  Finance Report

TREASURER’S MEETING NOTES FOR 44th  BLYTHE SAPPERS MANAGEMENT

TRIAL BALANCE AS AT 6 DECEMBER 2006.     (The bank statement for Nov has not yet been received)

1.     Credit Items

a.       Cash at Bank.    As previously reported cash at the bank at the start of the year was £10,627.23.

b.       Bank Interest.   Bank interest is paid monthly and for the period Jan to Oct was £138.53.

c.       Subscriptions.   Subscriptions received so far total £3075.  Four mandates from the October new members have been received.   Carol Bouwens’ mandate not yet received.

d.       Joining Fees.     Fees received so far this year total £150.  Mandates from 4 new members received.  Awaiting Nov bank statement.  Bouwens’ mandate not yet received.

e.       Donations.       Remain at £115.  Sprs Fitzmaurice £10, Dewjo Architects £5 and Lloyd-Owen £100.

f.         Blythe Sappers Guest Night 5 Aug 06.    Income for the Guest Night was £3153, 

g.       Sweepstake.     Income £487.  Previously reported.

h.       Lunches.          Three lunches have been held so far this year.  The total fees collected were £8150.

2.    Debit Items

a.        Lunches.          Cost of the lunches were:

1)       March             £2649.95

2)       May                £2047.90

3)       October          £3398.80

      b.      Guest Speakers      There were three guest speakers at £41 per lunch.  Total £123.

c.       Hire of Meeting Room.    The cost of the hire of room, coffee and tea and some copying totalled  £331.40 for the three meetings.

d.       Guest Night Dinner of August 2005.      The costs of the 2005 GN were £2920.  The invoice for this event was submitted late by Aramark and was included in 2005 as a creditor.  ( The bill for the 2006 GN was £2812.97.  This has been paid and will be shown on the Nov bank statement.)

e.       Donation to Special Fund.   £1000 donated so far this year.  The Corps Treasurer holds a credit of £5339.  There have been no applications for grants this year so far.  It will be proposed that a further donation of £2000 will be  made.

f.         A & N Club, December 2005 Lunch.  The invoice for the Dec 05 Lunch was not shown as settled until the Jan bank statement.   Cost of lunch was £3847.95.

g.       Sweepstake Prizes.  Totalled £300.

h.       Committee Expenditure.    The items, donation in remembrance of Spr Howell, renewal of web-site domain, book for past Chairman and salver engraving totalled £125.24.

i.        Secretary’s Expenditure.    Jan – Oct  £187.64 was spent on postage and copying.

i.        Cash at Bank as at 31 Oct 06.   Total was £8963.88. 

3.           Balance Sheet.     The Balance Sheet for the account is attached.

4.           Creditors.      The following estimated costs will be incurred before the close of the account on

 31 Dec 06. 

·         Aramark invoice for August Guest Night to be on Nov bank statement.             £2812.97

·         A & N Club Christmas Staff gratuity                                                              £100.00

·         Assistant Secretary honorarium                                                                      £300.00

·         Secretary’s expenditure                                                                                 £90.00

·         Treasurer’s expenditure                                                                                £90.00

·         Adventure & Challenging Pursuits Fund                                                         £2000.00

·         Total                                                                                                         £5392.97

Therefore the balance at 31 Dec 06 should be approx £8963.88 - £5392.97      =           £3570.91

This under present circumstances is acceptable.

5.         Costs of Lunches in 2007.       In consultation with the General Secretary of the Army & Navy Club, the costs of the lunches for 2007 will be £42.50 per member attending.

6.         Outstanding Subscription – Sir Neil Westbrook.      Earlier this year Spr Westbrook wished to cancel his Standing Order and would pay by cheque.  I have not received his subscription but as he contacted Spr Stuart Sinclair through his PA I would like advice on the protocol in pursuing his payment.